Rolex Oysterquartz
The Rolex Oysterquartz was a range of quartz watches made by Rolex from 1976 until 2001.
History
At the end of the 1970s, the Swiss watch industry was affected by the quartz crisis. Japanese watchmakers supplied the world market with large quantities of quartz watches.[1] Whilst many other manufacturers chose to use off-the-shelf quartz movement, Rolex responded to the crisis by designing and manufacturing its own quartz movement, similar in size to its automatic movements so that it could be included in further ranges.[2]
The Datejust Oysterquartz was released in 1976.[3] The design differs greatly from the classic Rolex line and carved characteristics of the period: a completely angular case, an integrated band with a polished finish, and sapphire glass. The whole range consisted of three versions: gold, steel with white gold bezel, and steel and yellow gold. At launch, it was the most accurate watch Rolex had ever produced.[2]
The quartz-powered version of the 18038 Day-Date sold for 15 per cent more than the mechanically powered equivalent.[2]
Rolex submitted their final quartz calibers for chronometer certification in 2021, and they were no longer available in the catalogue from 2003.[4]
Although the range was offered for 25 years, only an estimated 25,000 watches were made. This marks the range as a relative rarity in the Rolex catalogue and thus sought after by collectors.[4][5]
Movement
Unlike most mass produced quartz watches, the Oysterquartz movement is notable for its use of an escape wheel and pallet fork[6] (resembling a lever escapement), but having its impulse provided by a stepping motor mechanically similar to a d'Arsonval galvanometer.[2]
Legacy
In 2025, Rolex introduced the Land-Dweller, inspired by the Oysterquartz. Although it features an automatic movement, it sports a similar case and integrated bracelet to the original.[7]
Model numbers
Model numbers of the Rolex Oysterquartz include:
| Reference | Model | Case | Bezel | Bracelet | Gem setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17000 | Oysterquartz Datejust | Stainless steel | Polished stainless steel | Stainless steel integral Oyster bracelet | None |
| 17013 | Oysterquartz Datejust | Stainless steel | 18K yellow gold fluted bezel | Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold integral Jubilee bracelet | None |
| 17014 | Oysterquartz Datejust | Stainless steel | 18K white gold fluted bezel | Stainless steel integral Jubilee bracelet | None |
| 19018 | Oysterquartz Day-Date | 18K yellow gold | 18K yellow gold fluted bezel | 18K yellow gold integral President bracelet with hidden clasp | None |
| 19019 | Oysterquartz Day-Date | 18K white gold | 18K white gold fluted bezel | 18K white gold integral President bracelet with hidden clasp | None |
| 19028 | Oysterquartz Day-Date | 18K yellow gold | 18K yellow gold Pyramid bezel | 18K yellow gold integral Pyramid bracelet with hidden clasp | None |
| 19038 | Oysterquartz Day-Date | 18K yellow gold | 18K yellow gold Pyramid bezel | 18K yellow gold integral Pyramid bracelet with hidden clasp | Bezel set with 12 brilliants |
| 19048 | Oysterquartz Day-Date | 18K yellow gold | 18K yellow gold bezel | 18K yellow gold integral President bracelet with hidden clasp | Bezel set with 44 brilliants; dial set with 8 brilliants and 2 baguettes |
| 19049 | Oysterquartz Day-Date | 18K white gold | 18K white gold bezel | 18K white gold integral President bracelet with hidden clasp | Bezel set with 44 brilliants; dial set with 8 brilliants and 2 baguettes |
| 19068 | Oysterquartz Day-Date | 18K yellow gold | 18K yellow gold bezel | 18K yellow gold integral Pyramid bracelet with hidden clasp | Bezel set with 44 brilliants; dial set with 8 brilliants and 2 baguettes |
| 19148 | Oysterquartz Day-Date | 18K yellow gold | 18K yellow gold bezel | 18K yellow gold integral Karat bracelet with hidden clasp |
References
- ↑ Bazemore, Caitlyn (2018-04-12). "The Quartz Crisis". Crown & Caliber Blog. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- 1 2 3 4 Dowling, James (2025-10-16). The Rolex Legacy: The history of Rolex through 120 seminal and rare watches. Octopus. ISBN 978-1-78840-637-6.
- ↑ "The Complete Guide to The Rolex OysterQuartz". Millenary Watches. 2022-10-19. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- 1 2 Mazarian, Clément (2025-10-09). Quartz Watches: From early quartz to the Apple watch, 90 ingenious electric watches explored. Octopus. ISBN 978-1-84091-968-4.
- ↑ Montagne, Marc (2023-01-20). Invest in Watches: The Art of Watch Collecting. Marc Montagne. ISBN 978-2-9701620-0-1.
- ↑ "The 5035 Movement". Oysterquartz.net. 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ↑ "Introducing: The Rolex Land-Dweller, Featuring Caliber 7135 — Rolex's Most Important New Model In Decades". Hodinkee. Retrieved 2026-06-24.